Noncredit Courses

This course examines seminal works in the Art Institute of Chicago collection. Classes meet in the galleries and observe, discuss, and find connections between works in different points of history. Students learn how to analyze a work of art and gain insights into the context of specific periods, the lives of the artists, and the range of expression as a basis for further inquiry. This course begins with Ancient Greece and Rome. It continues through the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the 17th and 18th century Romantic periods, ending with the late 19th century and the dawn of Impressionism. Such renowned artists as El Greco, Rembrandt, Rubens, and Turner are included, along with lesser-known artists.<br><br>This course meets outside the gift shop at the benches, entering the museum from Michigan Avenue. <br><br>Art Survey at the AIC: Ancient to PreModern fulfills the Art History requirement for the Adult Continuing Education noncredit Drawing and Painting certificates.

Passionate about clothing design and want to illustrate a collection of your own? Working from clothed models and couture garments, you will learn the skills needed to create evocative and compelling illustrations. You will explore fabric texture and draping, drawing principles including body proportions, movement and position, perspective, and how to apply appropriate exaggeration and stylization. Influential fashion illustrators will be showcased to provide inspiration and context. Previous drawing experience is helpful.

This course examines the fundamentals of two-dimensional design in the digital age. Students will explore principal design elements, including composition, color, and typography, through projects introducing Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop as primary graphic design tools. The importance of effective visual communication in commercial and experimental design is stressed as students understand the professional design process from the client brief to the finished digital project. Students will leave this course with a solid foundation in strategies for solving design problems, a basic design vocabulary, and an understanding of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop's specific role in creating professional work. Before starting this course, students should be comfortable creating, deleting, renaming, and moving files and directories without assistance.

This course introduces the skills and insights needed to be a successful interior designer and examines why some designs are more successful than others. More than a style-selection course, you will learn what is required to design and build an interior space, gain a general knowledge of how interior designers work, and examine what it takes to move creative designs from idea to reality. Included is a survey of important and innovative designs happening today.

Exploring the galleries of the Art Institute of Chicago museum, this course investigates American art from the Prairie School, Tiffany, the Aesthetic movement, and American Impressionists, among others. Additionally, students will examine Luminist landscapes and the work of modern and contemporary American artists, including, but not limited to, Ivan Albright, Edward Hopper, Barbara Kruger, Georgia O'Keeffe, Cindy Sherman, Andy Warhol, and Grant Wood. Students will develop the ability to look closely at, analyze, and discuss the works presented as they learn about the history, literature, music, and theater of the period in which it was created.<br><br>This course meets outside the gift shop at the benches, entering the museum from Michigan Avenue. <br><br>Art Survey at the AIC: American Art fulfills the Art History requirement for the Adult Continuing Education noncredit Drawing and Painting certificates.<br><br>Art Survey at the AIC: American Art fulfills the Art History requirement for the Drawing and Painting certificates.

This course examines the fundamentals of two-dimensional design in the digital age. Students will explore principal design elements, including composition, color, and typography, through projects introducing Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop as primary graphic design tools. The importance of effective visual communication in commercial and experimental design is stressed as students understand the professional design process from the client brief to the finished digital project. Students will leave this course with a solid foundation in strategies for solving design problems, a basic design vocabulary, and an understanding of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop's specific role in creating professional work. Before starting this course, students should be comfortable creating, deleting, renaming, and moving files and directories without assistance.

This course introduces the skills and insights needed to be a successful interior designer and examines why some designs are more successful than others. More than a style-selection course, you will learn what is required to design and build an interior space, gain a general knowledge of how interior designers work, and examine what it takes to move creative designs from idea to reality. Included is a survey of important and innovative designs happening today.

Want to use Adobe Illustrator to create sophisticated and complex designs and illustrations while you hone your skills? Learn the basics of the program before moving on to master transparency, feathering, masking, compound paths, gradients, layering techniques, and the specifics of the pen tool. This course will feature dynamic class demonstrations, and group critiques, as well as personalized feedback from your instructor on each assignment and throughout the creative process. Students should have basic computer skills before signing up for this course.

Focus your interests, refine your skills, and learn to create a compelling and personally meaningful body of work. In-class exercises and individual painting assignments will act as the catalyst for you to discover your point of view through painting. You¿ll learn to communicate your vision and receive feedback and support from your instructor and peers in one-on-one meetings, group critiques, and discussions. You may work in the painting media (acrylic, oils, tempera, watercolor) of your choosing. Prior painting is helpful but not necessary. Introductory painting skills will not be addressed in this course.

Explore the exciting world of handmade artists' books and zines! In this course, you will explore different approaches to making books as artworks in their own right, ranging from the practical to the sculptural and from unique objects to editioned multiples. Use your preferred medium to develop content for your books - drawing, painting, printing, writing, photography, or other experimental approaches - and explore additional processes like laser cutting and risograph printing to push your ideas further. You'll have access to a range of digital printing options on campus. Contemporary and historic artists' book and zine projects will be explored through presentations, discussions, samples, and visiting the Joan Flasch Artists' Book Collection. By the end of the course, you will have experience in several book construction techniques, an awareness of options for self-publishing and distribution for zines, and will have developed a final project in a format that effectively conveys your ideas - and puts them right into someone's hands.

This course emphasizes the development of observational drawing skills and hand-eye coordination. The learning sequence progresses from simple forms and skill levels toward more complex compositions. Basic drawing elements such as line, proportion, perspective, composition, texture, and the study of light and shade are investigated through various perceptual and conceptual approaches. Open to beginning students and those who want to refresh their skills before moving on to more advanced studio courses.

In this course, students will learn to create, manipulate, and sew patterns for the upper half of the female form. They will draft a basic bodice using either their own measurements or by measuring a dress form to create a professional sloper. The course also covers how to create sleeves and collars. Additionally, students will learn how to manipulate darts, add fullness, and contour their designs. These principles will provide a solid foundation for each student's design work.<br><br>Previous sewing experience is required. The SAIC ACE course Sewing Techniques: Fundamentals would provide you with an introductory experience.

Learn the skills you need to manipulate and enhance photographs and digital images. Explore the principal elements of design, including composition, color, and typography, as you develop strategies for solving design problems, a design vocabulary, and an understanding of the key role Photoshop can play in creating professional work. Students should have basic computer skills before signing up for this course.

This course focuses on the foundations of photography and the various ways to use a digital camera. Students examine how to choose and shoot personally meaningful subjects in content and contemporary contexts. Instruction includes capturing and printing images in black and white and color, and investigating digital photo editing. Discussions on the history of photography and individual and group critiques are included. Students must supply their digital SLR (single-lens reflex) or mirrorless camera with manual functions; no point-and-shoot cameras.

Share your raw and polished literary efforts with our supportive and dynamic community. Explore different poetic, non-fictional, and fictional forms of writing as you learn to find, build, and develop your own stories. Each class is the ideal blend of writing exercises and experiments, peer critique and feedback, and discussion of curated readings hand-picked by your instructor. All levels are welcome; no prior experience is necessary.

This course emphasizes the development of observational drawing skills and hand-eye coordination. The learning sequence progresses from simple forms and skill levels toward more complex compositions. Basic drawing elements such as line, proportion, perspective, composition, texture, and the study of light and shade are investigated through various perceptual and conceptual approaches. Open to beginning students and those who want to refresh their skills before moving on to more advanced studio courses.

Gain a competitive edge as a designer, artist, or maker by advancing your understanding of color theory. Learn about the various ways that color is considered and used as a design element. Working with current color theory principles and models, develop color plans and concepts for individual and group projects. This research is compiled in sketchbook/notebook format and is used as a reference for independent projects. Studies and hands-on studio work reveal how color can transform concepts with cohesive and expressive results.

Learn the skills you need to format layout projects in InDesign. Explore the principal elements of the software, including paragraph and character styles, object styles, layers, and master pages, as well as how to import graphics. Develop strategies for solving design problems, a design vocabulary, and an understanding of the key role InDesign can play in creating professional work. Students should have basic computer skills before signing up for this course; experience with Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop is recommended.

This course emphasizes the artist's role in children's picture book illustration and focuses on the world of visual storytelling. Through demonstrations and in-class assignments, students working at various skill levels explore materials and techniques used to create children's book illustrations, which are images that guide children into a whole new imaginative universe through a sequence of memorable visual images. Students learn to balance text and image on the page by creating book dummies to organize their ideas. Basic drawing skills are helpful.

Art collectors and patrons play a major but often unseen role in art history and cultural heritage. From monarchs and the Church, anthropologists, and the mega donors of todays museums, art has long been defined and supported through expansive webs of patronage and private funding.<br> <br>This course explores the roots of art collecting and patronage using the Art Institute of Chicago's collections and vibrant art community. It investigates larger issues within collecting, including its ethical implications, repatriation, finance, psychology, and the personal perspectives of artists, curators, dealers, and collectors.<br> <br>Through lectures, discussions, and visits to museums, galleries, collections, and studios, this course will not only introduce art history and its patronage relationship but also consider its present and future role and how we can all be patrons of the arts.<br><br>This course fulfills the Art History requirement for the Adult Continuing Education noncredit Drawing and Painting certificates.

Learn to weave in this beginner's course, exploring traditional tapestry approaches such as interlocking, inlay, and shape-building alongside basket weave, twill, soumak, pile, rya, and twining techniques. Dont have a frame loom? No problem. Your instructor will walk you through building your own. You¿ll also deepen your understanding of weaving's relevance to material production, fine art, and craft through faculty-guided discussion and presentations. Presentations on contemporary handweavers supplement this studio experience. No experience is necessary.

This course explores a current exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago museum and related works from the collection. Sessions will take place in the exhibitions and the museum's galleries. Visit continuingstudies.saic.edu for details.<br><br>Note: AIC policy prohibits teaching in special exhibitions. When visiting the exhibition, the instructor will facilitate small group discussions and individual study. Additional instruction will occur in the classroom and other museum galleries.

How do we form an opinion about what we see around us? How do we make decisions that are relevant in the design world? In this course, students discuss, analyze, and discover design principles by exploring successful projects envisioned by artists, architects, theorists, and authors. This course examines problem-solving for various project types and will include lectures, readings, and individual assignments. Class discussions will explore new aesthetic trends and examine how ideas have evolved to address new issues.

In today's interconnected world, effective communication transcends cultural boundaries. Visual language has emerged as a universal tool for conveying information and captivating diverse audiences.<br><br>Immerse yourself in the dynamic world of shapes, symbols, and icons, tracing their evolution through history. Investigate brand identity, the art of crafting logos, and how to harness the psychology of color to evoke emotions and convey messages. You'll also gain the skills to create compelling infographics and understand practical applications of Adobe Illustrator and stock images.<br><br>Cultivate the ability to engage in formal critiques, enabling you to confidently present your ideas and projects and receive constructive feedback from peers and your instructor to refine your work and fuel your artistic growth.<br><br>No previous design experience is needed. Bring your passion for creative expression and explore the dynamic world of visual communication. Prior experience working with the Adobe Creative Suite is recommended.

This class is designed for students with prior drawing experience who are interested in investigating new subjects and themes while developing technical and conceptual skills through experimentation with various methods and materials. Creative exploration will include exercises addressing scale, mixed-media processes, drawing formats, and series. Individual and group critiques and discussions will support each student's progress. Prerequisite(s): Introduction to Drawing or equivalent experience.

Joining fabrics to cover the body and create shelter has been a prized skill in the progress of civilization. Students will build on that tradition by learning fundamental seams and finishes used in modern-day garment construction. Industry standards of sewing are emphasized, and techniques are taught and practiced. In addition to creating a personal library of seam samples, students will apply the techniques in two basic projects. The class will also discuss fabric characteristics and proper copying and cutting patterns. Once mastered, these techniques can be used to sew garments from patterns, create original designs, or explore fabric as a medium for soft sculpture. No previous sewing experience is necessary. <br><br>Note: A sewing machine is required if taking this course online.

This course is designed for intermediate and advanced students who want to explore concept development and production skills in interior design. Do you want to learn how to remodel a kitchen or bath? Develop and refine the critical thinking skills necessary to find design solutions for existing spaces. Students can work in analog and digital formats to produce work inspired by various artists and designers. Prerequisite(s): Digital Drawing: Objects and Space or equivalent experience.

Explore an overview of printmaking techniques that don't require a dedicated print studio. This course is designed to give a brief overview of basic printmaking processes, such as monotype, relief, image transfer, and basic screen printing. Each technique will be explored through an introductory project, culminating in one final personalized project at the end of the course. Experiment with a variety of approaches to techniques and materials, and discover the creative and critical potential of the multiple within the broader field of contemporary art and visual culture. Artists of all disciplines, both with and without prior printmaking experience, are encouraged to join.

This class is for students who want to learn how to use 3D modeling software specifically for a career in Interior Design. Learn how Autodesk AutoCAD, SketchUp, and a rendering solution can help you bring your ideas into the digital space for potential clients and colleagues to view. We will explore how to create a workflow for your interior design projects, including space planning, furniture modeling, and applying materials for viewing and rendering. This class will also include drawing 2D floor plans, using 3D warehouse, customizing furniture and fixtures, and setting up views and rendering. Prerequisite(s): Digital Drawing: Objects and Space or equivalent experience.<br><br>Students are responsible for their software when this course is offered online.

In their drawings, students will focus on the proportional relationships of the human head and face to achieve naturalistic resemblance. Instruction in line, shape, light, and shadow will be explored to achieve believable volumetric form. Black and white as well as color materials will be investigated. A model will be present during each class session, and various drawing approaches will be demonstrated. Discussion and presentations on contemporary portraiture and group and individual work reviews are also included.

This course will provoke students to convey a compelling narrative through painting. We will experiment with various acrylic paints, mediums, surfaces, and techniques to develop a personal approach to image making. Through individual dialogue, class discussions, and critiques, students will receive feedback and direction on how to challenge their practice. We will investigate the works of artists like Mickalene Thomas, David Hockney, Christina Ramberg, Alex Katz and many others. Basic drawing and/or painting skills are useful, and non-representational artists welcome.

Create eye-popping, high-quality artwork. You'll start with traditional media and then translate your ideas digitally in Procreate. Instruction will focus on learning the software and concept development as you create original characters and environments. This course will not focus on the development of observational drawing skills. All levels are welcome, even those with no prior drawing experience. Students will need an iPad to run Procreate.

Through handwork and machine stitching, this course will cover various traditional and experimental techniques for fabric embellishment and manipulation. Explore technical processes like embroidery, cording, appliqué, trapunto, pleating, tucking, smocking, gathering, darting, and ribbon work. This course will reference historical and contemporary examples of these processes as research for inspiration. Students will create a sample book of foundation techniques and experiments and produce a final design project.<br><br>Note: A sewing machine is required if taking this course online.

Learn to paint form, space, and atmospheric effects by focusing on depicting light with color. This course provides instruction in color theory concerning painting practices, emphasizing the use of color expressively. Paint application techniques are demonstrated, and considerations for color effects, schemes, and properties are investigated in their practical application to each student's work. Prerequisite(s): Introduction to Oil Painting or equivalent experience.

Investigate visual storytelling and drawing strategies through the contemporary art forms of comics and graphic novels. Explore a variety of illustrative approaches, such as writing, storyboarding, penciling, and inking/coloring. Building on this foundation, students learn research methods to develop ideas and produce projects examining narrative structures, material choices, and integrating text and image. Regular critiques, visits to the Art Institute of Chicago, and exposure to contemporary artists, illustrators, and designers supplement the studio experience. Previous drawing experience is helpful but not required.

Craft a digital portfolio that combines imagery, composition, text, and narrative to most successfully showcase your creativity, skills, and passions, and put your best foot forward for whatever comes next. This course is perfect for certificate students preparing for Portfolio Review Day and anyone interested in refining their portfolio for their website, residency, grant applications, or graduate admissions. Makers of all disciplines are welcome to join. Note: This one-day workshop does not include individual portfolio reviews.

In this course, students learn how to assemble garments covering the female form's lower half. Instruction will focus on developing skills to create flies, hems, and waistbands. While learning industry standard techniques and tips, students sew pants and a lined skirt. Students will leave with the ability to transfer their skills to commercial patterns or their designs. <br><br>Previous sewing experience is required. The SAIC ACE course Sewing Techniques: Fundamentals would provide you with an introductory experience.

Cultivate a regular sketchbook practice to develop new ideas, stay accountable to your creative goals, and refine the direction of your work. Explore sketching, collaging, painting, and writing, as you investigate how the personal nature of an artist's sketchbook can catapult work to the next level. During one class meeting, handmade sketchbooks are made using an array of book construction methods. You will also review the history of artists¿ sketchbooks and visit the Art Institute of Chicago for inspiration.

This course introduces students to materials, methods, and tools used in oil painting while helping them develop observational skills. Demonstrations will cover stretching canvas, setting up a palette, applying different painting techniques, and mixing colors. These sessions provide a solid foundation in the fundamentals of oil painting, preparing students for future projects.

Develop your personal style while producing well-designed and dynamic watercolor paintings. Learn wet and dry techniques, washes, color lifting, and glazing as you explore materials and techniques and experiment with a variety of subjects, including still-life, photographs, and your own subject matter.